Thomas N. Gallagher

Thomas N. Gallagher, 68, of Kingston, OH, died peacefully at home on December 28, 2025, 11:00 PM after a courageous 18-month battle with glioblastoma. His wife, Beth, and children, Donnie and Annie were beside him, holding his hands.

Tom was born on July 15, 1957, to Gerald and Mary Jo Strobel Gallagher in South Bend, Illinois. He was the fifth of seven children: Michael (Faith) Gallagher, Kathleen Gallagher, Jane (Dave) Schaller, Patricia (Gregory) Rinkus, Mary (Kirk) Evans, and John Gallagher.

This merry band of Gallaghers followed their father's jobs from South Bend to Grand Rapids, MI, back to South Bend, and finally to St Mary's, PA in time for Tom to start Fifth Grade. He graduated from St. Mary's Area High School in 1976. He then graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor's degree in business in 1980. He moved to Houston, TX to work for Tenneco Inc. While there, Tom earned his MBA in Finance from the University of Houston.

Tom eventually tired of the hot, dry climate of Houston. Wanting to be closer to home, he moved to Chillicothe, OH to work for Kenworth Truck Co. He thought it would be short-term until he found a job back in Pennsylvania. As it were, fate intervened. Mutual friends introduced him to his future wife, Beth Ann Young. A blind date that worked! Tom and Beth married on March 23, 1991. They celebrated 34 beautiful years of marriage together. And Tom never made it back to live in Pennsylvania.

To add to their joy, they were blessed with two children: Donald Thomas Gallagher and Anne Elizabeth (Scotty) Danner. Two and a half years ago they were overjoyed to welcome their granddaughter, Myra Jo Danner, into their lives.

Tom's siblings provided him with many nephews and nieces, and he loved them all-John, Jim, Ed, and Patrick Gallagher, Charlie Schaller and Caitlin Johnston, Matthew and Daniel Rinkus, and Colin and Sam Evans. He also has several great-nephews and -nieces.

Tom had a close relationship with Beth's sister, Jill, and her husband John Page, and their children David Page and Megan (Nick) Tracy. They celebrated every holiday, birthday, vacations, and life events together. David and Megan adored Uncle Tom and remember fondly all the spending the night parties, picnics, silliness, and love they shared. They both agree that Uncle Tom is the best gift Aunt Beth ever gave them. Megan's daughter, Cora, loves her Tommy so much.

Tom also has a brother and sister-in law, Jim and Tina Young, and niece, Emily Southam, and nephew Stephen Young.

Tom was predeceased by his parents and sisters Jane and Patricia.

Tom has been a member of Calvary Lutheran Church for 35 years.

A Memorial Service for Tom will be held on Monday, January 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church, 74 W. Main St., Chillicothe, OH. Pastor Tom Pairan will officiate. A meal following the service will be held in the Fellowship Hall. WARE FUNERAL HOME is aiding the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Tom may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 74 W. Main St., Chillicothe, OH or The American Brain Tumor Association online at bit.ly/DonateABTA or by mail to The American Brain Tumor Association 8550 Bryn Mawr Ave. #550, Chicago IL 60631

You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com